I have the feeling I’m going to lose my job today.

[ThomasShelbysfagend]

I’ve never been unemployed.
Had many jobs for over 40 years but always been in a job.
Things have been happening over recent months at my job that have made me paranoid and a gut feeling that something is about to happen. Not good.

Ive a meeting today so will know by the end of the day.

What the fuck do you do when “let go”?
Ive been scouring jobs on every jobs board there is and.. nothing. Nothing at all suitable anywhere.

I’ve got professional qualifications, I’m senior enough in my role, but there isn’t anything.

Tips from anyone who has been in this position are very welcome.

I was made redundant several years ago the same day I discovered my ex was cheating. I just wanted to give you a virtual hug and say you'll be fine and you'll get through this. Better days are ahead. 🤗

Is there a properly scheduled meeting in today which has lead you to believe you might be let go. You have employment rights. Anyone at your place of employment who can give support in real time?

Redundancy requires a whole other process.

How long have you been there @ThomasShelbysfagend? What is your job, and notice period in your contract.

Keep your powder dry for now and then call acas or a solicitor to get some advice once you k kw what’s happening. Sending good thoughts.

For any new job register with recruitment agencies. Lots of companies never advertise their job vacancies they just use the same recruitment agencies to short list candidates.

I hope it doesn't come to that but have a look into those. Best of luck for your meeting today.

Ok so if they make you redundant with no consultation I would fight as hard as possible for everything you can get. I’ve been made redundant twice, I absolutely fought tooth and nail both times and came away with at least 6 months pay.

Check out how they have gone about the process and pick apart any holes you possibly can. If there is even a hint of sexism then make a big deal of it (companies can get unlimited fines so they are scared of anything that exposes them). Go through the grievance process then go through the ACAS early conciliation process. And raise a subject access request so that you can get all digital information stored on you. That was the thing that really won the cash last time I was made redundant.

What sector do you work in and do you live somewhere with many employers?
If it comes to it would update your CV, LinkedIn, reach out to your network of former colleagues and employers. You’re most likely to be introduced to a role by them.

Don’t take it personally, if they need to cut costs it isn’t about you. Some employers will offer re-employment support and don’t be afraid to take that.

Hopefully none of this advice is needed though.

We had a lot of redundancies in 2008, it was tough.

Hang in there op. They do need to follow a process.

Hope it’s not as bad as you’re imagining

My sympathies - its awful. I was made 'redundant' some years ago when I was on sick leave - which is illegal - didnt know that at the time. I hated working there though so was happy to go. They royally screwed me over though. Not surprising given it was a US law firm.

I've been sacked for performance (the manager was bullying me) but they messed up and said it was redundancy. It wasn't tedundancy because they back filled my post but "redundancy" suited me so I didn't argue.

I will say, it's OK. You will find something else (I found something much, much better) and when you're on the other side of it, it'll just be a period of your life in the past. It's shit while it's happening and it does knock your confidence but it also gives you an opportunity. In my case, there was a temp job that looked interesting. I could never have given up my job for a temp job but now I could take it. The job was made perm, Im still here almost 10 years later and like I said, I really like it.

So, it could ge something positive long term.

Linked in....

@ThomasShelbysfagend i'm managing redundancies at the moment, there is a process they have to go through with the first being a letter to tell you that this may be something that could be on the cards, you then have a chance to offer alternative suggestions if there might be other ways to avoid redundancy, if this is done prior takes time and won't be sorted in one day

*done properly

Sorry to hear this. Hope something turns up.

If you've been working over 40 years do you have any pensions you could look into claiming as an income boost?

Good luck for today. The worst part is not knowing, you can plan accordingly once you know the facts.

I was let go once on a compromise agreement. They had a habit of doing this so were well versed in the process and I could see it coming a mile off.

I got £30k lump sum tax free and took 6 months off work. In month 5 I signed up with a recruitment consultant and had a job within a month. it was the best 6 months ever.

This just isn’t true. My DD was “let go” from a job with no warning whatsoever. She’d made a couple of mistakes which she’d been told about and discussed how to improve, which she was doing. Then one Friday lunchtime they called her in and said “this isn’t working, get your stuff and go”. She had absolutely no idea it was going to happen and she was devastated.

Sympathies OP - DH was made redundant a while ago and it's really hard. He's never been out of work either and it's knocked his confidence - as well as our bank balance as he has been the principal (very significant) breadwinner for the past 15 years.

If it is redundancy then you should be offered a package which should help.
Network, register with recruiters, use LinkedIn, talk to people in your industry - it's hard, but I've just got a 'returnship' in my 50s, back to my professional career, which I never thought would happen so I'm sure that if the worst does happen, you will be ok, however tough it is in the moment.

Good luck!

I'd strongly recommend LinkedIn. You can make your profile "open to work" and recruiters will approach you. Obviously make your profile like a CV. I've had my last 3 jobs from there

I can only imagine how unsettling this moment must feel. After 40 years of continuous work, facing uncertainty like this isn’t just professional, it’s deeply personal too. And it’s absolutely normal to feel a mix of fear, frustration, and disorientation.
Here’s the truth: being “let go” doesn’t define your worth, your value, or everything you’ve built. It’s a rupture, yes — but also sometimes the only opening life offers for reinvention.
If it does happen, give yourself a moment to breathe. Not to panic or hustle immediately, but to recalibrate. You’re not starting from zero — you’re starting from experience.
A few tips from clients and peers I’ve supported through similar transitions:

• Reconnect with your identity before you rewrite your CV. Who are you now? What do you want to stand for?
• Update your professional image (yes, even online presence and style — these are powerful first impressions).
• Reach out to your network — many opportunities aren’t posted, they’re shared.
• Consider working with a coach who can help you map out the next version of your career path — with strategy, not panic.

If today’s meeting confirms your gut feeling, know this: you don’t have to go through this next phase alone. And you're not starting over — you're stepping forward.

I was made redundant on the Monday and my ex husband left me on the Thursday. We must be twins! Much love to you! ❤️

Read up on ACAS website ASAP.

www.acas.org.uk/

Also, check if you have a legal cover on your house insurance, please check.

How long have you been there OP? If it’s less than 2 years they can dismiss you for any reason, but after 2 years it is more difficult for them. Perhaps they want to put you on a PIP? If so it’s not the end of the world but I’d be looking for a new job anyway.

I’d be nosying in Outlook calendars to see what other meetings are booked in to try and get a read of what’s going on.

I really hope it all goes well for you.

What sector do you work in and what is your current role type.? Might be worth signing up to LinkedIn as depending on sector there are often jobs advertised there.